India v South Africa, 4th Test, Day 2 - South African batsmen dug their own graves

The South African batsmen have lost the battle mentally. I am not ready to accept that a champion batsman like Hashim Amla and brilliant batter like Faf du Plessis lack the technique to survive on the testing tracks, but at the back of their mind, they have lost it completely. This is quite unexpected from the best team in the world.

I think Amla should adjust his back lift a bit. It has to be a bit lower on such tracks and surprisingly, Amla has tried to execute the strokes against the spinners with stiff legs. I am not familiar with this Amla. Whereas, Du Plessis’ mind still seems to be stuck with the Twenty20 format - the IPL-like-sweep-shot-or-what executed today, surely annoyed not only the South African cricket fans, but the cricket followers as well.  

Seniors like Amla and Du Plessis were needed to cash in badly to inspire and teach the youngsters about how bat on the testing tracks of the subcontinent.

AB de Villiers was batting brilliantly, but sadly, he lacked the support from his colleagues. With due respect to the Indian bowlers, the Proteas batters dug their own graves today and in my opinion, they have been doing this throughout the series.

Don’t blame the tracks, but blame the fragile technique and temperament.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane notched up his first Test hundred at home and gradually, this guy is becoming the crisis-manager for India. Rahane is a very smart guy as he knows how to utilize the best moments and has the knowledge to realize the magnitude of a crucial situation of a Test match. This is a very special quality and such players can go a long way.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar